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ARCH urges council tenants to get involved in shaping the future
19/05/2011
Labelled as
Tenants

Tenants were urged to get involved in shaping the future of
council housing at ARCH's Tenants' Conference 2011.

More than 120 council tenants from across England got together on
19th May for the event at Milton Keynes Dons Stadium. The fifth
annual Tenants' Conference was a chance for tenants in stock
retained authorities to hear about latest developments and give
their views, which will inform future ARCH policies. Topics
discussed at the conference included the Localism Bill, new housing
finance arrangements and the future of regulation.

ARCH Tenants' Group chair, Jennifer Holmes, a West Lancashire
District Council tenant, told delegates: 'There are a lot of
changes going on. We are all concerned about where our future lies.
As tenants, now is the time to take note of what is happening,
become involved and try and shape the future as we want it to be. I
encourage you all to get involved as much as you possibly can and
comment on new government proposals and discussions that are
arising.'

ARCH's national chair, Cllr Milan Radulovic, leader of Broxtowe
Borough Council, said: 'ARCH wants to make sure tenants are really
at the heart of council housing and we are delighted that this
fifth annual ARCH tenants' event has been led by tenants for
tenants.' He said: 'The Localism Bill will impact on housing,
changes to the self-financing system come into effect next April
and there are concerns about flexible tenancies and where funding
for new build is coming from. Local authorities and tenants must be
part of that debate. While there are concerns, this is also an
opportunity to shape the future.'

This year's conference was supported by ARCH member authority
Milton Keynes Council. Jane Reed, Milton Keynes Council's Assistant
Director of Housing, said: 'We are very pleased and proud that
Milton Keynes is hosting this national event. It gives us the
opportunity to showcase the city and to highlight the housing
challenges we face, and some of the innovative solutions we have
come up with. The conference brings council tenants together and
gives them a unique opportunity to share ideas and
experiences.'

The conference saw the launch of a new ARCH publication Home
Truths: Tenants' Tales of council housing, which features
interviews with tenants about their experiences of living in
council homes.

ARCH awards were also presented for: ARCH Tenant of the Year,
Excellence in Participation and Innovation &
Sustainability.